Youths told to champion violence against women, children
Suva, June 13 – Youths of Nasauvakarua village and members of the Santamaria Youth Club, in the interior of Navosa, were told to become champions against gender-based violence against women and children.
The Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Iliesa Delana, travelled to Nasauvakarua, in Navatusila on Monday and told the youths “to help stop the violence against women and children.”
“I encourage males to become champions and create awareness on the issue,” said Hon. Delana. “Males are supposed to act as guardians over their sisters, mothers and aunts and not the opposite.”
He also added that “the Ministry in partnership with Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is providing training to youths on human rights issues to help stop abuse against women and children.”
“We have conducted training in Semo earlier this year which was attended by more than 150 youths from Nadroga and Navosa,” said Hon. Delana. “Liaise with your officials so you can attend similar training at a location near you if you have missed out.”
He also encouraged members of the Sanatamaria Youth Club to “submit their reports regularly to the Ministry’s provincial or divisional office.”
“Regular reporting is essential and we encourage youths to maximise social media platforms available and keep us informed of your progress and activities,” Hon. Delana told the youths.
Hon. Delana also encouraged the club to venture into small or micro-enterprise and help provide services and goods for the people in the interior.
Samatamaria youth club president, Sailasa Kulanisa, said; “We are grateful for Assistant Minister’s visit as it indicates the Ministry’s commitment to helping us develop and grow.”
“We are in need of empowerment training on how to effectively manage our land resources,” said Kulanisa.
Hon. Delana told the youths that the Ministry would consider their request for training in the new financial year.
Hon. Delana also travelled to Navaga village in the Tikina of Magodro in Ba later the same day.